“In 2012, the most significant human rights problems in Armenia were limitations on the right of citizens to change their government, corruption and lack of transparency in government, and the limited independence of the judiciary”, the US Department of State says in its 2012 country report on Armenia.

The document highlights the major flaws in the conduct of 6 May 2012 parliamentary elections and corruption at different levels of government. It further addresses political pressures against courts and deaths in the military. The prison problems, including overcrowding, unsanitary conditions and unsanitary conditions have been mentioned as a separate area of concern.

Flaws in the conduct of 6 May legislative elections included the misuse of government resources to support the ruling party, credible allegations of vote buying, deficiencies in the complaints and appeals process, and continued shortcomings in the electoral code despite improvements. Allegations of persistent corruption at all levels of government undermined the rule of law. Courts remained subject to political pressure from the executive branch, which resulted in some politically motivated prosecutions and sentencing.

Other abuses reported during the year included suspicious deaths in the military under non-combat conditions, continued hazing and other mistreatment of conscripts by officers and fellow soldiers, and a lack of accountability for such actions.

Police continued to employ torture to obtain confessions and reportedly beat citizens during arrest and interrogation. Authorities continued to arrest and detain criminal suspects without reasonable suspicion and to detain individuals arbitrarily. Trials were often prolonged, and courts failed to enforce laws providing for fair trials. Laws against government intrusion on the right to privacy and unlawful searches were inadequately enforced.

The media continued to lack diversity of political opinion and objective reporting outside the campaign period. Members of religious minorities suffered from societal discrimination. Domestic violence remained a problem but largely went unreported to authorities.

Persons with disabilities experienced discrimination in almost all areas of life. Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) persons were subjected to societal abuse and discrimination by military and prison authorities. Workers’ rights were limited and labor laws weakly enforced.

The government issued a report in December 2011 on its investigation into the deaths of eight civilians and two police officers following the 2008 presidential election but, as of year’s end, had not held anyone accountable made efforts to combat.

AzVision.az

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